8
9
WING
SPAN
AUGUST
AUGUST
WING
SPAN
MAAALogo.
$80,000 boost for
model aircraft clubs
across the country
MODEL AIRCRAFT CLUBS ACROSS THE COUNTRY WILL SHARE OVER $80 000 IN THE LATEST
ROUND OF THE MODEL AERONAUTICAL ASSOCIATION’S CLUB ASSISTANCE SCHEME.
authority at lower head speeds, in particular when a three
blademain rotor head is used.
Before adding the fuselage to themodel, the radio,
esc, gyro and servo were setup as per the details in the
instructionmanual. The pitch range of themodel is +/- 15
but that isn’t required for F3C flying so it was dialled back to
the recommendations in the book.
With all of this complete, it was time to check themotor
rotation which can be safely done by slipping the drive belt
off themotor pulley and keeping it clear. While testing the
motor rotation, I also test the failsafe setting on the esc by
switching off the radio. I always set the failsafe so that it
switches themotor off.
To complete themodel, it was fitted with a Funtech Staysee
800 fuselage which was painted by Y’s Factory in Japan. The
paint work on this fuselage is of the highest quality and only
weighs 600g which doesn’t addmuch the overall weight of
themodel. To install the fuselage to this model required a
few hours of fitting and some slight cutting. Probably the
most finicky part of the process was to glue the horizontal
fins on straight. Some people say it’s a pain to work on a
model fitted with a fuselage but with the Staysee 800 it’s
only amatter of removing four screws and the front slips
off giving you access to themechanics.
Flight testing
With themodel loaded up with 2x 6s 6200mah (12s) Lipo
packs, themodel weighed in at 6.1kg. (With 5800mah packs
the weight may have been 200g less.) Here is probably
where I shouldmention the ease of the removable battery
tray. It is very simple; a carbon plate held in the frame by
two polymer clips. Simply push the clips back and let the
tray down and slide out. A battery change can be completed
in 20 seconds; it’s that simple. As an optional extra you can
purchasemore battery trays as required.
A quick check of the controls and gyro to ensure all was
working correctly, and the throttle was advanced. With the
head speed on themodel now up to the set rpm it was time
for lift off. Themodel rose gently to eye level and didn’t
move. Even in a slight breeze it was locked in and didn’t
move a whisker. Themodel was whisper quiet thanks to
the two stage transmission; the only noise was originating
from the rotor blades. The cyclic responses weremild
andmaybe a little slow for my liking but that can easily be
adjusted from the radio. Pirouettes were flat with a slight
correction required to keep it in position.
With the flick of a switch, it was time for some aerobatics.
The Impaction took off and immediately I was impressed
with the tracking of themodel. It was fast and straight with
no correction required to hold a straight line. The control
response was right on, not too soft or mushy and definitely
not jerky or fast like a 3dmodel. After pushing themodel
through a fewmanoeuvres from the F3C schedule it was
clear themodel has lots of potential. It was time for an
auto rotation but this was somewhat of an anticlimax as
the Impaction fell gracefully from the sky and reached the
landing point with lots of rpm to spare.
Overall impressions
The Quest Impaction is a fantastic model for the discerning
modeller. The quality of the part’s machining and fit would
rival that of a Formula 1 car. Every part and the attention to
detail have been checked ensuring that themodel provides
you with an experience, rather than a chore. After having
more flights on it I can tell you there is no sign of wear
on any part, or slop in any plastic parts or ball links. With
regular maintenance (that is, greasing thrust bearings and
one way auto bearing), this model should provide hours
and hours of reliable operation and can help put you in the
winner’s circle.
MAAA President Neil Tank said the latest funding boost
would help provide 17 clubs with funds to benefit their
local area.
“The MAAA is committed to helping our clubs provide
facilities that will not only benefit members, but
encourage all Australians to take part in our exciting
sport,” he said.
Mr Tank said the yearly grants are delivered through
the MAAA Council and are another example of how the
organisation works to make it easier for local clubs to
grow and manage their sport.
“This year the Council increased the amount of funding
available to ensure most applicants received all, or a
large percentage, of the funds they requested,” he said.
“Funding will be used by local clubs to purchase much-
needed firefighting equipment, provide shaded areas,
construct toilets and deliver bore waster facilities.
Mr Tank said these were just some of the projects the
MAAA supported.
“Recently, the MAAA purchased a state field in Victoria.
It’s being used and developed by the Bairnsdale and
District Model Aero Club. The club is working hard on
infrastructure, like a club house, pits area and fences
with help from the VMAA and the MAAA.
”
“If you are interested you can follow their progress at
.”
Mr Tank said aeromodelling was about more than
sport; it was about friendships and a local, supportive
community.
“These funds from the Assistance Scheme go a long way
towards seeing our clubs grow. If you’re not already a
member I’d encourage you to consider joining the MAAA
to experience the thrill of flying,” he said.
For more information on The MAAA’s Club Assistance
Scheme visit
“THE QUALITY OF THE PART’S MACHINING AND
FIT WOULD RIVAL THAT OF A FORMULA 1 CAR.”
